Cost Accountant
<p><strong>Job Description: Cost Accountant</strong></p><p><br></p><p>The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing and managing a company's cost structure to improve financial efficiency and support decision-making. This role involves preparing cost reports, monitoring expenses, evaluating budget variances, and identifying areas for cost savings. The Cost Accountant collaborates closely with various departments, including operations, production, and finance, to ensure consistency in cost management and adherence to company goals.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Cost Analysis</strong>: Analyze manufacturing, production, or operational costs, including labor, material, and overhead, to determine cost efficiency.</li><li><strong>Budget Development and Monitoring</strong>: Assist in the preparation of departmental budgets and monitor expenditures to identify variances.</li><li><strong>Product Pricing</strong>: Calculate the cost of products, services, or processes to provide accurate pricing models.</li><li><strong>Inventory Valuation</strong>: Maintain accurate records of inventory, ensuring proper valuation based on costs and usage.</li><li><strong>Monthly and Annual Reconciliation</strong>: Prepare and reconcile cost accounts, including cost of goods sold (COGS), inventory, and variance accounts.</li><li><strong>Variance Analysis</strong>: Investigate variances between budgeted and actual costs, and provide reports to management with actionable insights.</li><li><strong>Profitability Analysis</strong>: Analyze profitability by products, services, or business segment and recommend changes to improve margins.</li><li><strong>Compliance and Reporting</strong>: Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and prepare cost-related reports for audits and management.</li><li><strong>Process Improvement</strong>: Identify inefficiencies in production or operational processes to recommend cost-saving measures.</li><li><strong>Collaboration Across Departments</strong>: Work closely with production and supply chain teams to gather cost data and ensure accurate reporting of operational costs.</li></ol><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Preferred Qualifications:</strong></p><ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; professional certifications such as CPA or CMA are a plus.</li><li>2-4 years of experience in cost accounting or related financial roles, preferably in manufacturing or production environments.</li><li>Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, inventory management, and financial reporting standards.</li><li>Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and financial modeling).</li><li>Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen eye for detail.</li><li>Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.</li><li>Effective written and verbal communication skills to present findings and collaborate with cross-functional teams.</li></ul><p><br></p>
<p>Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.</p>
<p>Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app" target="_blank">Download the Robert Half app</a> and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.</p>
<p>All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit <a href="https://roberthalf.gobenefits.net/" target="_blank">roberthalf.gobenefits.net</a> for more information.</p>
<p>© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to <a href="https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms">Robert Half’s Terms of Use</a>.</p>
- Menlo Park, CA
- remote
- Temporary
-
28.00 - 40.00 USD / Hourly
- <p><strong>Job Description: Cost Accountant</strong></p><p><br></p><p>The Cost Accountant is responsible for analyzing and managing a company's cost structure to improve financial efficiency and support decision-making. This role involves preparing cost reports, monitoring expenses, evaluating budget variances, and identifying areas for cost savings. The Cost Accountant collaborates closely with various departments, including operations, production, and finance, to ensure consistency in cost management and adherence to company goals.</p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Cost Analysis</strong>: Analyze manufacturing, production, or operational costs, including labor, material, and overhead, to determine cost efficiency.</li><li><strong>Budget Development and Monitoring</strong>: Assist in the preparation of departmental budgets and monitor expenditures to identify variances.</li><li><strong>Product Pricing</strong>: Calculate the cost of products, services, or processes to provide accurate pricing models.</li><li><strong>Inventory Valuation</strong>: Maintain accurate records of inventory, ensuring proper valuation based on costs and usage.</li><li><strong>Monthly and Annual Reconciliation</strong>: Prepare and reconcile cost accounts, including cost of goods sold (COGS), inventory, and variance accounts.</li><li><strong>Variance Analysis</strong>: Investigate variances between budgeted and actual costs, and provide reports to management with actionable insights.</li><li><strong>Profitability Analysis</strong>: Analyze profitability by products, services, or business segment and recommend changes to improve margins.</li><li><strong>Compliance and Reporting</strong>: Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS) and prepare cost-related reports for audits and management.</li><li><strong>Process Improvement</strong>: Identify inefficiencies in production or operational processes to recommend cost-saving measures.</li><li><strong>Collaboration Across Departments</strong>: Work closely with production and supply chain teams to gather cost data and ensure accurate reporting of operational costs.</li></ol><p><br></p>
- 2025-11-07T18:14:13Z